The Fran Spielman Show

In the final weeks of 2025, Fran Spielman hosts a year-end discussion on Chicago and Illinois politics with Sun-Times national political reporter Tina Sfondeles and reporter Mitchell Armentrout as they share insights on major events, including the surprise election of Chicago's Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo, Trump's impact on local politics, and ongoing challenges in the city and state. 

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson to discuss the alternative budget proposal developed by a group of alderpersons. They discuss the city's current financial challenges and the rejection of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $600 million revenue package. Ferguson outlines the importance of balancing the budget to avoid a downgrade to junk bond stat...

Fran Spielman interviews Eleanor Gorski, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, discussing the complex history and future plans for Chicago’s stadiums. The dialogue covers the renovation of Wrigley Field, challenges faced by various sports teams looking for new stadiums, and Gorski's comprehensive report on creating a win-win situation for both the city and its teams. They explore t...

Fran Spielman is joined by Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, focusing on the significant budget stalemate in Chicago. They discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's rejected $600 million spending plan and the various revenue options and tax strategies on the table to address the city's financial challenges.

In this special Veterans Day episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), a retired Marine and current chair of the City Council's Committee on Economic and Capital Development. Villegas shares personal stories about his family's military service, his own experiences in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the sacrifices that come with serving one's country. He discusses veteran...

In this week's episode, Fran Spielman interviews Nora Leerhsen, the acting president of the Chicago Transit Authority. They discuss the recent $1.5 billion mass transit bailout by the Illinois General Assembly and its impact on CTA's services. Leerhsen outlines plans for service expansion, including 24-hour Orange Line service and the extension of bus routes with frequent service. They also delve...

In this episode, host Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch following the passage of a transformative $1.5 billion mass transit bailout package. Welch discusses the collaborative efforts with Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to avoid service cuts, layoffs, and fare hikes in the CTA, Metra and PACE. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman invites Chicago City Council veterans Matt O'Shea and Scott Waguespack to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's recently unveiled $16.6 billion budget proposal aimed at addressing a $1.15 billion shortfall. The proposed budget includes significant tax and fee increases targeted at businesses and wealthier residents, a controversial head tax, and a $1 billion tax increment...

In this episode, Fran Spielman discusses the contentious budget plan proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, which includes nearly $600 million in progressive taxes targeting wealthy corporations and individuals. Joined by senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee, the conversation delves into revived corporate head taxes, cloud computing taxes, and a new social media tax, intended to fund community safety and...

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion with Chicago Alderpersons Jesse Fuentes (26th), Julia Ramirez (12th), and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) about the significant impact of President Donald Trump's severe immigration crackdown on their wards. They share firsthand accounts of ICE raids, the excessive use of force, and the resulting fear and disruption in their communities. The conversation...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Crane Kenny, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Cubs, celebrating the team's recent victory over the San Diego Padres, which advanced them to the National League Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. They discuss the importance of team chemistry, pivotal managerial decisions, standout player performances, and memorable moments in C...

In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) who is now running for Cook County Board president. Reilly discusses his critiques of current County Board President Tony Preckwinkle, highlighting issues like the mismanagement of federal pandemic funds, 'failed social experiments' in the state's attorney's office, and the county's technolog...

In this in-depth interview, Fran Spielman welcomes Bill Kurtis, a legendary figure in journalism, to discuss his 60-year career. Kurtis shares captivating stories from his new memoir, 'Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News,' reflecting on pivotal moments that shaped his path, including a life-changing broadcast during a tornado in Kansas. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Walter "Red" Burnett, the 29-year-old son of former City Council Ald. Walter Burnett, who has been selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson to join the Chicago City Council. Burnett discusses his desire to continue his father's legacy, stressing the importance of community engagement and addressing pressing issues like the city's budget crisis, political violence...

In this week's episode, Franz Spielman interviews Congressman Mike Quigley from Illinois' Fifth District. Quigley critiques President Trump's proposal to deploy the National Guard, labeling it an ineffective misuse of resources. The conversation touches on the broader problems of governance, corruption, and financial stability in Chicago. 

In this episode of the Fran Spielman Show, Fran interviews Michael McMurray, the Commissioner overseeing O'Hare and Midway Airports. They discuss the recent groundbreaking of the $730 million Concourse D project at O'Hare, McMurray's background, and the future plans for the airports. McMurray shares his vision for O'Hare's expansion, addressing financial concerns, tariffs, and the importance of in...

Fran Spielman interviews former University of Illinois defensive lineman and current State Representative Kam Buckner. Buckner shares his insights on a variety of topics, including the importance of growing the tax base and fostering local talent in sports. He reflects on his college football career and the lessons it taught him about teamwork and diversity. The conversation also delves into Buckn...

Senior mayoral advisor Jason Lee discusses the various challenges Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faces in balancing Chicago's budget. Topics include progressive revenue strategies, potential cost-cutting measures, environmental justice initiatives, and affordable housing policies. Lee also addresses the controversy around Aldermanic prerogative, the impact of pension costs, and the content...

In this heartfelt episode, Fran Spielman and Pat Hughes commemorate the life and career of legendary Cubs player Ryne Sandberg, who recently passed away from prostate cancer at 65. The episode also features a past interview with Sandberg, offering further glimpses into his philosophy and approach to the game.

Fran Spielman interviews former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, discussing his views on legacy, his approach to public service, and significant moments from his political career. Edgar reflects on his pardon of Alderman Walter Burnett, his perspective on the death penalty, and his tenure during which he aimed to restore public confidence in state government. Edgar also opens up about his current batt...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), discussing his career highlights and the emotional farewell he received from the Chicago City Council. Burnett shares insights from his 30-year tenure, working with four Chicago mayors, and the challenges faced in political mediation and community development. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews David Axelrod, a veteran political consultant turned commentator. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the struggles of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the upcoming mayoral race, and the challenges facing the Democratic Party on national and local levels. Axelrod shares his insights on key political figures such as JB Pritzker, Rahm Emanue...

In this episode, Fran Spielman welcomes Ray Long, a recently retired investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune with over 45 years in journalism. Long discusses his career journey, including his early days covering City Hall with Spielman, memorable stories from his stint as a reporter, and significant events like the turbulent tenure of Mayor Richard M. Daley. They also touch on Long's modera...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Craig Dellimore, now retired City Hall reporter for WBBM News Radio 780. Craig reflects on his 25-year career covering Chicago politics, sharing his experiences from growing up in Jamaica, Queens, to his time working as a copy boy at The New York Times. He also recalls his memories of significant events, such as Harold Washington's rise to mayor of Chicago...

In a special Father's Day edition, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by three notable Chicagoans - Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rahm Emanuel, and Congressman Chuy Garcia - to discuss their fathers and how their relationships with them have shaped their own journeys in fatherhood.